GOODS FROM CANADA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20893, 8 June 1931, Page 10

GOODS FROM CANADA.

OPERATION OF NEW TARIFF.

EXEMPTIONS DECIDED UPON.

ALL EXPORTS BEFORE JUNE 2

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Government lias had under con sideration the question as to how goods should bo dealt with which left Canada before the recent tariff alterations took effect. The Prime Minister, Iho Wight lion. G W. Forbes, stated to-day that in the ordinary course tariff changes come into operation immediately thoy arc announced, but the recent changes were due to special circumstances which warranted a departure from the usual procedure. "Therefore," said Mr. Forbes, "it has now been decided that all goods the produce or manufacture of Canada which were exported from that, country for New Zealand before June 2, 1931, will be admitted at the rates of duty in force immediately prior to that date. This means that the new rates will not be charged on any Canadian goods now in bonded warehouses or which left Canada for New Zealand before June 2. If any duty has been overpaid it will bo refunded upon application to the collector of customs at the port at which the duty was paid."

The Government's decision with regard to the concession on Canadian goods has caused pleasure to those business men of Auckland affected by the new tariffs. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Prime Minister last week pointing out the position of those importers who had goods already on the water, and the president of the Associated Chambers, Mr. H. T. Merrilt, also made representations on similar lines. The president of the Auckland Chamber, Mr. A. M. Seaman, stated yesterday that the Prime Minister had informed the chamber of the decision that the new rates would not be charged on Canadian goods leaving Canada before June 2, or those now in bonded warehouses. Business men were very glad that their claims of hardship which would arise had been recognised, said Mr. Seaman. They were very gratified to know that the Prime Minister had seen the justice of their request and taken the action which had been announced. There are at present four steamers bound for New Zealand with cargoes which include Canadian merchandise. They are:—The Niagara, from Vancouver, due at Auckland Juno 15: the Waiotapu, due June 19, and the Golden West, due June 27, from Pacific Coast ports, including Vancouver; and the Canadian Transporter, from Montreal, duo June 27. AGREEMENT URGED. VANCOUVER MOVEMENT. PRESSING NEED STRESSED.(Received Juno 7, 5.5 p.m.) VANCOUVER, June G. The Vancouver Board of Trade lias telegraphed to the Minister of Trade and Customs, Mr. If. 11. Stevens, urging that the need for arranging a trade trcn|' with New Zealand is pressing and asking that definite negotiations shall be launched before the end of this session. The communication added: "With your complete knowledge of tho situation we feel we can rely upon you to press forward toward a new arrangement without delay." The board also telegraphed to the Montreal Chamber of Commerce urging that it should suggest a national demand on tho Government for treaty action at once. READY TO PROCEED. AUSTRALIA AND TREATY. (Received June 7, 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA. June 6. It is understood (lint tho Australian Government has notified the Prime Minister of Canada. Mr. 11. B. Bennett, that it is ready to proceed with the proposed trade treaty, which will bo tabled at Canberra and Ottawa at the samo time, probably on Monday.